Once regarded as one of the world’s best lightweight, Kawajiri made
the cut to featherweight in 2011 following failed title bids
against Aoki and Strikeforce ruler Gilbert
Melendez. “Crusher” has since gone undefeated, earning a trio
of submission victories in his last three fights. The 34-year-old
closed out last year with victories in the Dream ring over Joachim
Hansen and Kazuyuki
Miyata and followed those performances with a win over King of
the Cage titlist Donald
Sanchez this past March at One FC 3.

Omigawa, 36, has lost four of his last five and recently received
his UFC release following back-to-back losses to Iuri
Alcantara and Manny
Gamburyan. Following an ill-fated two-fight stint as a UFC
lightweight from 2007 to 2008, “Michi” rejoined the Las Vegas-based
promotion last year after earning eight wins in nine fights outside
the organization as a featherweight. The Japanese talent dropped
consecutive bouts to begin his UFC career before picking up his
lone Octagon win in his third appearance, outpointing Jason Young
at UFC 138 last year.